Can Cats Drink Milk? Risks and Benefits of Feeding Milk to Cats

Can Kittens Have Milk?
Can Cats Have Milk?
Why Do People Think Cats Love Milk?
Are There Any Risks or Benefits of Feeding Milk to Cats, and How Much is Okay to Give?
What To Do If Cat Drinks Milk?
Is Lactose-Free Milk Safe For Cats?
What Can Cats Drink Instead Of Milk?
Conclusion
FAQs

We’ve all seen cartoon cats enjoying a bowl of cold milk, but most types of milk are not safe for cats to drink. Some people may think that cats love fresh milk, and your kitty may even beg you for a lick of your cereal milk or cream topping on a dessert. But cow’s milk, oat milk and other milk varieties can cause stomach upsets, as most cats are lactose intolerant, so it’s best avoided.

In this article, we’ll answer key questions for pet owners, including: can cats drink cow milk, are cats lactose intolerant, can kittens have milk, and can cats drink milk as a treat? We all want the best for our four-legged friend, so let’s delve into the myths about milk and understand whether cats and kittens should have milk in their diets at all.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Most adult cats are lactose intolerant, so cow’s milk can cause digestive upset.
• Kittens should drink their mother’s milk or a suitable kitten milk replacer, not cow’s milk.
• Fresh, clean water is the best everyday drink for cats.
• Specially formulated cat milk can be given occasionally as a treat, alongside a balanced diet.
• If your cat accidentally drinks a small amount of milk, monitor them for symptoms such as vomiting, bloating or diarrhoea.

Can Kittens Have Milk?

Yes, kittens can have milk but only their mother’s milk. Cow milk is not suitable for kittens, even as a treat, as it can cause digestive problems and other health issues. Now, you may be wondering: What to do if your kitten’s mother is not around? Can kittens drink cow milk, or can kittens have milk designed specially for cats?

The best milk for kittens is always their mother’s milk, which they’ll enjoy as their main source of nutrition until kittens start to wean at around 4 weeks old. However, if your kitten is orphaned or doesn’t have their mother around, you can feed them a kitten milk replacer after consulting with your vet.

Can Cats Have Milk?

In spite of what many people think, cow’s milk, cow milk substitutes, and dairy products should not be given to cats. As cats grow, their ability to produce lactase, the enzyme required to break down the sugars in milk, reduces over time. Hence, it’s advised that adult cats should avoid having milk.

Why Do People Think Cats Love Milk?

Traditional images, stories and animations may show cats lapping up cow’s milk, but the reality can be very different. While cats may love the high-fat content and creamy taste, it doesn’t mean it’s good for them. Drinking milk can rapidly lead to digestive issues, diarrhoea and discomfort in cats. Some cats are allergic to milk, meaning they’ll need to see a vet if they consume it.

Are There Any Risks or Benefits of Feeding Milk to Cats, and How Much is Okay to Give?

There are more risks than benefits of feeding milk to cats. Most cats are lactose intolerant, meaning their digestive systems lack the necessary enzymes to break down the sugars, causing digestive issues and sometimes stomach pain or diarrhoea. Milk is also high in fat, which can cause additional health risks without providing the necessary nutrients for a cat to stay healthy and thrive.

Pet owners may ask: can cats have milk occasionally, or can cats have milk which is made for them? Although some cats can drink cow’s milk and consume other human foods and dairy in small amounts, it’s not recommended. As cats age, they become less able to digest milk and dairy products, and some can have an extreme or allergic reaction to it. Put simply, it’s just not worth the risk. Cat milk designed for pets is safe to feed as an occasional treat, in addition to a healthy diet.

What To Do If Cat Drinks Milk?

If your cat accidentally drinks a small amount of milk, don’t panic. As a small amount of milk usually does not result in severe consequences. However, keep an eye out for signs of digestive upset such as bloating, stomach discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Avoid giving them any more milk or dairy-related food and make sure they are well hydrated. Lastly, if your pet develops severe or persistent symptoms, contact your vet for advice.

Is Lactose-Free Milk Safe For Cats?

Lactose-free milk, which is designed specially for cats, is a safer treat than cow’s milk or cream. It’s different to lactose-free milk or formula made for humans, as each is tailored using specific ingredients and vitamins for very different nutritional needs. Giving a cat lactose-free milk made for human consumption can make them unwell. Lactose-free milk made for cats should always be given in moderation, as a treat, alongside a balanced diet and exercise, without replacing fresh water as their main drink.

What Can Cats Drink Instead Of Milk?

The best drink for cats is fresh, clean drinking water, which they should have access to at all times. It’s safe for most adult cats to drink:

• Tap water from a bowl or a cat drinking fountain.
• Specially formulated cat milk, which is lactose-free, as an occasional treat.

Avoid cow’s milk or dairy-free alternatives. Fresh water is always the best source of hydration for your cat that won’t upset their digestive system.

Conclusion

So, can cats have milk? The safest answer is no. Although it’s not considered toxic to cats, most cats are lactose intolerant and cannot digest it effectively, leading to digestive upset. Since a cat’s tolerance to lactose reduces as they get older, it’s best not to put your pet at risk and always stick to fresh water instead. Specially formulated cat milk might be a safer alternative but always consult your vet before introducing any new food to your cat’s diet.